MADERA- The Madera Fair kicked off it's 2014 season Thursday with gymnastics, barbeque and the music of WAR. The gates opened at 5pm, as it will tonight, to crowds of people looking to enjoy fair cuisine such as corn dogs, trip tip and cotton candy. For the next three days, the Madera Fair is the Place to Bee..

Local clubs like the Breakfast Lions and Rotary poured beer to those of legal age. And the Pan American fired up their grills for burgers and tacos. In fact if you are looking for the best food value at the fair, the Pan American Club has a taco at a price that can't be matched.

However the best barbeque at the fair is the All American BBQ across from the 20/30 booth near the skating rink. Pork ribs, brisket, sausages and the best tri-tip you will ever taste is fired up right in front of you. Tell them BVN sent you for all the free napkins you can use.

As for the 20/30 Club, beer, water and tri-tip sandwiches. The coldest beer in the fair. The cheapest water in the fair and they will make you a very meaty tri-tip for about $5. Plus all their money goes back into the community to help kids. Whether they are giving away bicycles or making donations to Children's Hospital, the 20/30 Club of Madera are a bunch of real men making a difference.

On the main stage WAR played all their hits from the 70's to a sparse crowd. However, tonight there are just a few tickets left for country music legend Dwight Yoakam. Yoakam will deliver the Bakersfield sound that he has built a 30 plus year career on the charts. Tickets are still available at the fair grounds box office or online at www.MaderaFair.com.

Today over 1700 third graders from Madera Unified School District will invade the fair grounds for a free event. The grounds will be open for the kids to see the animals and other educational displays available at the fair.

The gates open tonight at 5pm with admission $4 for kids 12 and under, adults $8, seniors $4. Of course parking is free at the three fair parking lots. The fair asks that you please not use the shopping center parking, as there is plenty of closer parking near the three entrances.